Responsible for offering legal counsel, coordinate operations of external advocates, negotiations to ensure settlement of third-party claims, and recovery on behalf of the company. To work closely with other members of the organization to provide general legal guidance and advice to the organization.

Job Description

Litigation Management.

• Receiving summons and determining whether liability attaches to the Company and distributing the same to our panel of external advocates.
• Appointment of service providers to handle company matters as per policy and maintenance of a register for such appointments.
• Reviewing legal claims lodged against our insured’s and engaging third parties in out-of-court negotiations.
• Always ensuring that adequate reserves are maintained.
• Reviewing correspondence and opinions from external lawyers and respond appropriately.
• Engage in pre-trial briefings & in conjunction with external lawyers prepare witnesses for court attendance.
• Reviewing judgments and recommending settlement or appeals.
• Periodically review legal files to ensure accurate reserves are maintained and to ensure the files are up to date.
• Handling the Company’s recoveries from third parties and other insurance companies by instituting suits or out of Court negotiations and follow up thereof.
• Ensuring payments are raised in good time, authorized and forwarded to the Finance Department. Follow up on judgment payments to avoid executions.
• Distributing the work coming in and ensuring that all mails are actioned.
• Approving all discharge vouchers and judgments as per the approval limits
• Reviewing the external advocates fees to ensure that the fee notes are raised as per remuneration order.
• Attending court hearing on behalf of the organization as and when required.
• Ensure Status Reports from service providers are received as per the guidelines.
• Prepare monthly reports and any other report that may be requested.

Policy development and advisory

• Review internal policies, procedures, and other documentation to make sure they are compliant with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Help management with the interpretation and application of laws and regulations.
• Conduct proactive research on any pertinent legal issues and provide strategic legal guidance on the same.
• Monitor and communicate relevant changes in regulatory, corporate, and other applicable laws which may impact the business.

Regulatory compliance 

• Support management in the proactive identification and mitigation of legal, regulatory, and business risks.
• Liaise with relevant departments to ensure that where legal risks have been identified, appropriate courses of action are taken.
• Monitor and communicate relevant changes in regulatory, corporate, and other applicable laws which may impact the business.
• Provide support on the operational areas with day-to-day regulatory insurance compliance issues.
• Provide required support in the preparation of the department’s monthly and quarterly reports for executive management meetings and Board meetings.
• Timely response to IRA matters and attend meetings as and when required.

Operations

• Providing continuous leadership, supervision, training, and development of the legal department staff to ensure an effective and motivated team.  
• Ensure maintenance of documentation and legal databases.
• Ensure biannual review of all outstanding liability claims.

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from a recognized institution.
• Must be an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid and current practicing certificate and in good standing.
• At least 5 years’ experience legal practice in Insurance/financial institution with experience in Commercial Law, Litigation and Conveyance
• An eye for detail, strong organisational skills and able to take responsibility for own workload.
• Demonstrated integrity and professional competence as reflected in work performance and results.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills;
• Strong team leadership skills.
• Must be a team player.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Law, Military Science and Security (Required)